MHI receives another award today " Order of “Danaker” is awarded to individuals for outstanding contribution to the strengthening of peace, friendship and cooperation between nations, for a particularly fruitful activity in the inter-ethnic harmony, achievements in science, rapprochement and mutual enrichment of national cultures."

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV President Ogata met with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev, who is visiting the country on October 18, Prince Karim Aga Khan met with IVü.

At the beginning of the meeting, the head of the state public services and the implementation of socio-economic projects in Kyrgyzstan for Prince Karim Aga Khan IVgö Ogata presented the Order. Appreciates the work of the Aga Khan Development Network in Kyrgyzstan to strengthen cooperation with the Organization and further stressed the great importance to the President.

The head of the state which is given to individuals who have played a significant role in uniting nations and countries Ogata Prince Karim Aga Khan award IVgö said the award is a great honor. To support and active public Farouq, agriculture, education and health care sectors for socio-economic projects a&#351;&#305;rgand&#305;g&#305;&#1226;&#305;z say thank you on behalf of all the people of Kyrgyzstan, said the President. Tag as well as the Large and Small Pamir Kyrgyz head of state for the support of Prince Karim Aga Khan, who regularly sent IVgö pleasure.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV welcomed the presentation of the award and expressed his appreciation for Atambayev. I'm glad I came back to Kyrgyzstan. As to your country every time makes me happy. I am proud of being able to reward your kolu&#1226;uzdan state, he said.

According to Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, outlined the changes in the whole region, and not only is it important for the country. According to him, the global issues which are different from the plurality of being successfully developed.

Which contribute to the implementation of reforms, and create an environment that will facilitate the development of the state, I say thank you for algan&#305;&#1226;&#305;z, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.

At a meeting with President Prince Karim Aga Khan IV issues of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan's organization, and discussed prospects of further cooperation.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV President Ogata met with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Almazbek Atambayev, who is visiting the country on October 18, Prince Karim Aga Khan met with IVü

At the beginning of the meeting, the head of the state public services and the implementation of socio-economic projects in Kyrgyzstan for Prince Karim Aga Khan IVgö Ogata presented the Order. Appreciates the work of the Aga Khan Development Network in Kyrgyzstan to strengthen cooperation with the Organization and further stressed the great importance to the President.

The head of the state which is given to individuals who have played a significant role in uniting nations and countries Ogata Prince Karim Aga Khan award IVgö said the award is a great honor. To support and active public Farouq, agriculture, education and health care sectors for socio-economic projects a&#351;&#305;rgand&#305;g&#305;&#1226;&#305;z say thank you on behalf of all the people of Kyrgyzstan, said the President. Tag as well as the Large and Small Pamir Kyrgyz head of state for the support of Prince Karim Aga Khan, who regularly sent IVgö pleasure.

At the beginning of the meeting President Atambayev awarded Prince Karim Aga Khan IV the Danaker Order for public activities and the implementation of socio-economic projects in Kyrgyzstan. The President stressed that Kyrgyzstan appreciates the work of the Aga Khan Development Network and attaches great importance to further strengthening of cooperation with the Organization.

"Thank you for your support and social activities for the implementation of important socio-economic projects in Kyrgyzstan in agriculture, education and health care. I express gratitude on behalf of all the people of Kyrgyzstan," Almazbek Atambayev said. The President also expressed his gratitude to Prince Karim Aga Khan IV for the assistance of constant support of ethnic Kyrgyz in Pamir of Afghanistan.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, from his part, thanked President Almazbek Atambayev for the warm reception and presenting high state awards. "I am happy to return to Kyrgyzstan, every time I come to this country, I feel very happy. I am very proud to have received this state award from your hands," he said.

During the meeting, President Almazbek Atambayev and Prince Karim Aga Khan IV discussed the issues of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and the Aga Khan, as well as prospects for further cooperation.

2016-10-19 Naryn, Kyrgyzstan - The University of Central Asia has attracted the support of 77 institutions in the region. H.H. The Aga Khan saidin his speech at the opening of the Naryn campus that a thousand years ago, Central Asia led the world in cultural and intellectual achievement. He quoted the invention of Algebra and the first discovery of the diameter of the earth. It was good to see the presence and the support of Prince Rahim, Princess Zahra, Prince Aly Muhammad at the event.

This is a great day for the University of Central Asia and for me, and for all those who have participated in the development of this University in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. And I know that now is also a very special day for the people of the Kyrgyz Republic and for the leaders and the citizens of Naryn. It is indeed a great pleasure to join with you in celebrating a truly historic moment as we inaugurate the Naryn campus of the University.

It has been a great honor, and also a great pleasure, for my colleagues and for me to work with all of you in building here in Central Asia a great new institution. Your contributions have come in many ways; through your wise advice, through financial resources, through building materials, and through the energies of local workers. Everyone who has made a contribution will always be a part of this place.

You all have our warmest thanks not only for your generous material support, but also for your friendship and for your vision.

Let me mention, too, how honored I was when the President presented to me yesterday this country's esteemed Danaker Order. This award has special meaning for me because it represents important ideals - values that the people of the Kyrgyz Republic honor in daily practice.

I gratefully accepted this award as a symbol of the partnership which has grown up through the years between the people of Central Asia and the people of the Aga Khan Development network, a reminder of the road we have walked together, and of the wonderful journey that still lies before us.

As a result of your efforts, the University of Central Asia is already helping to lead the peoples of this Central Asian Mountain Region to an exciting new chapter in their history. As we take this new step forward, I am also thinking of some of the developments already underway that have highlighted the story of these past sixteen years while providing a great sense of momentum as we move into the future.

UCA is not a typical start-up university. I would point, for example, to the remarkable School of Professional and Continuing Education. Since it launched its first courses in 2002, it has engaged a remarkable number of learners - over 90,000 in all - ranging from members of parliament to young people from the regions and from villages. I would also point to the Humanities Project with its valuable array of courses that have attracted support from 77 other universities and colleges throughout Central Asia. We could also talk proudly about The Institute of Public Policy and Administration, as well as the Mountain Societies Research Institute, two places that are already doing path-breaking research, cooperating with international partners on issues that will be central to the region’s progress. In yet another area of learning, the Cultural Humanities and Cultural Heritage Unit's work on the musical heritage of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are harbingers of what can be expected. Meanwhile, through our faculty development programme, scores of Central Asians have completed their doctorates at leading universities, also providing a unique talent pool for UCA. All of these assets are building blocks which now can help the Naryn campus to play its own central and vibrant role.

This event today brings back some wonderful memories for me. It was just sixteen years ago that I joined the Presidents of the Founding States in signing an extraordinary International Treaty. It was an unprecedented event. The Treaty was then a unique example to the entire world of how these three countries could actually dream together about their common future. And it was also a wonderful example of how they could join hands together, across national boundaries, to make their dreams come true.

When I have talked about this project with people in all parts of the world over these past sixteen years, many of them have been a little bit surprised, and they were also extremely impressed. Do you mean, they asked me, that this new university will have these different bases, in three different countries, all working together in the pursuit of common goals? And my answer of course is yes - not only has this been our plan, but that is what is actually happening today. We would like to build our three campuses in the quickest succession possible.

What this University is all about is not only the power of education, but also the power of international cooperation. It is a power that can change peoples’ lives.

It is important to know that what we are doing here will be a valuable example of international cooperation for the future not only here in the region, but also for people far beyond the region.

And it is also important to remember how this example also grows out of this region’s past.

Students of world history remind us how Central Asia, a thousand years ago, “led the world” in trade and investment, in urban development, in cultural and intellectual achievement. This was the place that leading thinkers from around the known world would look to for leadership. What were the latest breakthroughs in astronomy or mathematics, in chemistry or medicine, in philosophy or music? This was the place to find out. This region is where algebra got its name, where the earth's diameter was precisely calculated, where some of the world’s greatest poetry was penned.

Why did this happen then? Why did it happen here? Above all, I would suggest, it was because of the quality of “openness.” By that I mean openness to new ideas, openness to change, and openness to people from many backgrounds and with a variety of gifts. The people of the cities here, even all those centuries ago, joined hands with the people of the steppes, and together they reached out to people who were far, far away.

That kind of openness can again be the key that unlocks the doors to the future. This will be true not just for people who live down the road, or others who may live over the immediate horizon, but also for people who are even farther away. They are potential partners and potential beneficiaries as we take on the great questions of our time and place: How can we best improve our schools, head off climate change, deal with natural disasters, and advance the public’s health?

The University of Central Asia can do a great deal to help address and answer these questions, not only through its undergraduate and graduate programs, but also through faculty and student research, through relevant interdisciplinary programs - and through partnerships with other institutions - in each case, geared to the specific challenges and circumstances of the region. And the impact of what we do can not only be global and regional - it can be local as well. By working with the leadership of the Oblast, we hope, for example, that Naryn will become a dynamic university town, enhancing the quality of life for all its citizens.

Some examples are already in place: the renovation of the Jakypov Park is one; the medical and diagnostic centre is another. New plans are underway for an early childhood development center, a residential development for faculty, staff and other local citizens, as well as a university inn for the many visitors that will come to share in the beauty and vitality of the Naryn region, and the new university community.

Finally, let me mention that we are also taking some very important organizational steps as we reach this milestone moment in the early history of the University of Central Asia. Not only is UCA launching its first undergraduate degree programme, but, as an autonomous institution, it is now ready for self-governance under a Board of Trustees as envisaged in the International Treaty and the University’s Charter. As the Chancellor of the University, I am making the first appointment to the Board by naming, as its chairman, Shamsh Kassim-Lakha.

Shamsh has had a remarkable career as a successful leader in the field of education. For almost three decades, he led the building, planning and operation of the Aga Khan University, based at first in Pakistan, but now extending into three continents. He was also a former Minister of Education, as well as a Minister of Science and Technology in Pakistan. After making his appointment official, we will now also be moving to appoint other Trustees as Members of that Board, a task I will undertake in cooperation with the Presidents of the Founding States who are the Patrons of the University.

It is under their leadership that we will now go forward. What we celebrate today is not the first phase of this story of growth and progress - but it is still an early step.

Even as we rejoice today, we look forward to the many wonderful steps that are still to come.

His Highness the Aga Khan: “University is all about is not only the power of education, but also the power of international cooperation”

Bishkek, October 19 / Kabar /. “UCA University is all about is not only the power of education, but also the power of international cooperation. ,” His Highness the Aga Khan said today speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Naryn campus of University of Central Asia (UCA) in Naryn city.

In his speech His Highness the Aga Khan said the sixteen years ago Kyrgyzsta, Kazkahstan and Tajikistan signed an extraordinary International Treaty. “The Treaty was then a unique example to the entire world of how these three countries could actually dream together about their common future. And it was also a wonderful example of how they could join hands together, across national boundaries, to make their dreams come true,” he said.

«It is important to know that what we are doing here will be a valuable example of international cooperation for the future not only here in the region, but also for people far beyond the region, His Highness the Aga Khan added.

Upon completion of the inauguration ceremony of the UCA campus, Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Zheenbekov and His Highness the Aga Khan attended the opening of the renovated the Jakypov Park in the city of Naryn.

The renovation of the park was fully financed by the Aga Khan Foundation.

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov (left) and His Highness the Aga Khan (center) officially open the first campus of the University of Central Asia in Naryn (UCA photo)

NARYN, Kyrgyzstan (TCA) — The University of Central Asia (UCA), created to be a catalyst for social and economic development in the region’s mountain societies, on 19 October officially opened its first campus in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan.

The new buildings on the Naryn Campus represent the first phase of a larger plan for the 252-hectare site, which was a gift from the Kyrgyz Government. Phase I includes 14,000 square meters of space that can accommodate 150 students. It features state of the art classrooms, a library and laboratories; secure, modular student dormitories; faculty and staff residences; and athletic facilities of an international standard. When the final phase is complete, the campus will accommodate 1,200 students and span 125,000 square meters, the UCA said.

The secular, internationally chartered, not-for-profit University is a partnership between the governments of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).

The ceremony, under the patronage of President Almazbek Atambayev, was officiated by Kyrgyz Prime Minister Sooronbay Jeenbekov and His Highness the Aga Khan.

Prime Minister Jeenbekov spoke directly to UCA students by declaring that the University would provide them with “the knowledge and skills necessary for you to become future leaders in different areas”. Calling this “a gift for all of us”, he expressed his special gratitude to His Highness the Aga Khan for his long-term vision going on to say that, “the future of our country is in the hands of our youth. Quality professional education must therefore facilitate the preparation of young people.”

“It is important to know that what we are doing here will be a valuable example of international cooperation for the future not only here in the region, but also for people far beyond the region,” said His Highness the Aga Khan speaking at the ceremony. “What this University is all about is not only the power of education, but also the power of international cooperation. It is a power that can change peoples’ lives.”

He went on to note that UCA was “not a typical start-up university,” remarking on the University’s School of Professional and Continuing Education, which has already taught over 90,000 people ranging from members of parliament to computer technicians. He also remarked on the Humanities Project, which has attracted support from 77 other universities and colleges throughout Central Asia, and two of the University’s research arms, the Institute of Public Policy and Administration and the Mountain Societies Research Institute which are “already doing path-breaking research, cooperating with international partners on issues that will be central to the region’s progress.”

The launch of the Naryn Campus is to be followed by the construction of campuses of equal size and stature in Khorog, Tajikistan (scheduled to open in 2017) and in Tekeli, Kazakhstan (expected to open in 2019).

The economic impact of the University’s three campuses is projected to be more than US$750 million in the Central Asian region. In the first phase of construction, UCA created 600 new jobs in the Kyrgyz Republic (as well as 800 at the Tajikistan site). The University’s approach to planning and building is part of a larger strategy to boost local economies by sourcing local and regional materials, strengthening existing enterprises and promoting the establishment of new ones.

New Video: An Inspiring Moment that Will Never Be Forgotten as Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, Blesses Murids in Kyrgyzstan

21October2016

“I wish you all success, good health, happiness, everything you wish, everything you wish for, Best Blessings.” – Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan. Please see one minute video footage from October 19, 2016, below.

LETTER FROM PUBLISHER

By Abdulmalik Merchant

Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, pictured at the Olympia Hall, London, during his weeklong visit to the United Kingdom Jamat in September 1979. Seated next to him on the stage are Mukhi Noordin Jivraj and Kamadia Nizar Dhanani. Photo: Jehangir Merchant Collection.

Some 37 years ago, my dad (Alwaez Rai Jehangir Merchant) wrote a piece for Ilm magazine on Mawlana Hazar Imam’s memorable week long visit to the United Kingdom jamats held at the beginning of September 1979. He mentioned about the unbounded joy originating from the souls of the members of the UK Ismailis when the visit was announced with a talika read in Jamatkhanas on July 7th, 1979. Then, describing the last few moments of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s final day of his seven day memorable stay in England, my dad wrote:

“In his infinite mercy and grace, Mawlana Hazar Imam then blessed the jamat for happiness, good health, unity, success in spiritual happiness, success in worldly happiness and for remaining on the Straight Path. What more would the mu’mins wish? Their Imam, their beloved Mawla had blessed them munificently. Tears were streaming from their eyes in reverence and devotion for their beloved Mawla for the immense love he had shown towards them….Very slowly and graciously, Mawla walked all around the [Olympia] hall to be as near to his spiritual children as possible for the last time during this visit. When he arrived at the exit of the hall, he majestically turned towards his spiritual children, stood there in all his glory for one brief moment, showered his Noor on the whole assembly of souls and then moved away from the sight of his beloved spiritual children who had all made him so very very happy.”

I mention this anecdote because something remarkable and inspiring happened a few days ago on October 19, 2016 in Kyrgyzstan as Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the new Naryn campus of the University of Central Asia. An amateur video footage that we have received captures the excitement, uncontrollable joy, happiness and emotion from a group of Ismaili murids as Mawlana Hazar Imam most graciously walks over to them, and from a very close distance, with hands stretched out, graciously and lovingly blesses them with the following words:

“I wish you all success, good health, happiness, everything you wish, everything you wish for, Best Blessings.”

The voices that we hear in the footage as Mawlana Hazar Imam steps in the direction of his followers (“Ya Hazar Imam”), and when he leaves them after fulfilling their dreams and filling their hearts, minds and souls with peace and unbounded spiritual happiness is a testament to the faith and love that each and every Ismaili around the world holds for his or her beloved Imam.

Inshallah, the jamats all over the world will be blessed with the Imam’s Holy Deedar during the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee Celebration as we commemorate 60 years of his glorious and magnificent reign as our 49th Imam on July 11, 2017.

It is not in vain that Ismaili Pirs and missionaries wrote how fortunate the Ismaili people are to attain the recognition of the Imam of the Time, who is the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.). Pir Sadardin wrote:

Eji Anand anand kariyo rikhisaro,
Awwal Shah tamey paya

Rejoice! O you who are on the True Path, rejoice!
For you have the Supreme Master.

On that note, we convey our heartiest felicitations and mubaraki to everyone who was present in Naryn to gain the Imam’s blessings, and wish to express our heartful thanks to the individual who has shared this video with us for the benefit of all our readers.

Bishkek, 18 October 2016 — His Excellency Almazbek Atambayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic decorated Mawlana Hazar Imam with the Order of Danaker, the highest recognition that the Kyrgyz nation can bestow upon a foreign citizen.

The award recognises contributions toward the strengthening of peace, friendship and cooperation between peoples, and towards preserving inter-ethnic harmony and the mutual enrichment of national cultures.

“The Danaker is a mark of honour awarded to individuals who unite people, nations and countries,” said President Atambayev at the presentation ceremony. “On behalf of the people of Kyrgyzstan, and in my personal capacity, I would like to express sincere gratitude for the contributions and support Your Highness has been providing through AKDN in a variety of sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture and others.”

The Aga Khan Development Network has been active in the Kyrgyz Republic for more than 15 years, in areas ranging from education and health to microfinance and cultural development. Together with the presidents of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic, Mawlana Hazar Imam established the University of Central Asia in 2000, and is in Kyrgyzstan for the inauguration of its residential campus at Naryn.

“I would like to thank your Excellency for receiving me so graciously and for conferring this honour upon me,” said Mawlana Hazar Imam after receiving the award. “I look forward to many years of partnership and achieving development goals for the people of Kyrgyzstan. This is a country which is marking global thinking on pluralism, and successful pluralism is one of the most immediate global issues today.”

During the day Mawlana Hazar Imam met with the Speaker of Parliament, Chynybai Tursunbekov and the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, His Excellency Sooronbay Jeenbekov. In the evening, President and Madame Atambayeva hosted a dinner for Hazar Imam and members of his family.